Multiscale Modeling Techniques for Electrodynamic Systems

In order to rapidly develop better electromagnetic and electrochemical systems, approaching these complicated topics from multiple perspectives is necessary. The use of mathematical models and numerical simulation offers the ability to evaluate and predict the performance of these systems based off the principles of electrodynamics in an ideal setting. Through the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), representative geometries of scales can be created and evaluated to provide insight into the behavior of these systems. Simulation offers a modifiable environment that can approach the relevant physics from both the microscale and macroscale. Conclusions, results, boundary conditions, or other information from micro and macroscale models can also be combined into multiscale simulations. In this work, investigation into the performance of two electrodynamic systems will be carried out via simulation. Radio Frequency (RF) heated reactors utilize an excitation coil to generate heat locally inside of reactors at susceptive sites. This behavior is governed by the principle of inductive heating, well defined by Faraday’s Law of induction. Simulation can be utilized to visualize the applied electromagnetic fields and how the electromagnetic energy is consumed in the system at a macroscale, while relevant reactions- in this case dehydrogenation from ethane to ethylene- can be simulated at a microscale. Battery systems also include electromagnetic and electrochemical behavior, due to the movement of ions and transport of charge. Transport of these charges across the cell is modified by the other electrical behaviors occurring during operation, altering the diffusion rate of these species. Understanding this behavior at both the microscale (single layer) and macroscale (full cell) is critical to drive the design of these devices.